Duchy College Childcare student undertakes work experience at Lewtrenchard School

Published: September 20, 2016

Duchy College student Danielle Payne, who is currently studying the BTEC Children’s Play, Learning & Development National Diploma Level 3, has been working with students at Lewtrenchard School.

Danielle said: “My work experience at Lewtrenchard is really good. The teachers have been really helpful and the children are really welcoming and seem to enjoy what I do, especially seeing the interactive babies. I am enjoying the course at Duchy, especially the units that give specific content for example special needs. Some of the units are quite challenging but I feel I step up to the challenge. I really hope to work at Lewtrenchard School after I complete my course.”

The interactive babies are a fantastic, invaluable resource used with FE students to give them near real life experience of caring for a new baby. The babies can be programmed for up to five days and have various levels of need which the tutor can change for each student.

Headteacher at Lewtrenchard School, Tim Woodward, said: “I can honestly say that all our staff have been really impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and child development skills that Danielle has shown during her time in our school. We sincerely hope that we can offer her employment at the end of her training period. She has shown that she can set herself high standards and is always prepared to learn from other, more experienced staff.”

Team Lead for Children, Schools and Families at Duchy College, Laetitia Mayne, said: “Danielle asked if she could take the interactive baby into her work placement to show the children how demanding it is to care for a new baby. This is a fantastic opportunity for both Danielle and the school to share in knowledge and experiences, she has the opportunity to showcase our amazing resources and her extensive knowledge and the children get to share their experiences of babies in their families. To be able to show the community part of the Children, Schools and Family training we offer at the college is hugely important for us and one we welcome at any time.”